Karen D. Wigfield

Karen Darlene Wigfield, 75, of Dover died February 2, 2024 at home surrounded by her loving family and friends after a 43-year battle with scleroderma.

Karen was born December 3, 1948 at Coshocton to the late Lester and Evelyn (Shryock) Neff. She grew up in Isleta and graduated in 1967 from Newcomerstown High School. After graduation, she worked at Kurz-Kasch in Newcomerstown.

On November 24, 1971, she married R. Trent Wigfield, with whom she shared 52 years of marriage. After welcoming their three daughters into the family, Karen began to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse by enrolling in college.

However, at age 32, she was diagnosed with scleroderma, a rare auto-immune disease that left her barely able to move. She lived longer with the disease than anyone else; when diagnosed she was told her life expectancy was one to five years. Her biggest joy was being a homemaker for her family.

Karen was a longtime member of the New Philadelphia Church of Christ and read her Bible daily. She loved Walt Disney World and had visited many times with family and friends.

She enjoyed the shows and restaurants. She and her family enjoyed camping at Atwood Lake for many years. Despite her condition, she loved to cook, bake and shop. She would comfort her loved ones with a plate of chocolate chip cookies after a hard day. She enjoyed making the girls special cakes for their birthdays.

In addition to her parents, Karen was preceded in death by her sister, Debbie Rader; her son-in-law, Jeff Dugan; and brother-in-law, Tim Haney. 

Karen leaves behind her husband, Trent; their three daughters, Tammy (Steve) Rosenberry of Mineral City; Becky Wigfield-Dugan of the home and Nikki Lee of New Philadelphia; five grandchildren, Makayla Rosenberry, Genevieve “Evie” Lee, Jeremy (Kayleigh) Dugan, Jessica (Jason) Strickland and Jennifer Dugan; three great-grandchildren, Lennox, Tenley and Julianne; a brother, Steve Neff of Arizona; a nephew, Jason Neff of Florida; sister-in-law, Cynthia Haney of New Philadelphia; her faithful canine companion, Gizmo; and numerous nieces.

Karen’s cremation has been entrusted to Geib Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the New Philadelphia Church of Christ, 749 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia. Following the service, a reception will be held in the church where Karen’s family will greet friends. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Karen’s name may be made to TUFF Bags, c/o United Way of Tuscarawas County, 1458 Fifth Street NW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.

Karen’s family wishes to thank the staff of Community Hospice for their excellent care of their family.